2020 Audi S7 Review

　　

2020 Audi S7 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Last year, Audi redesigned its A7, a sporty-looking hatchback sedan related to the brand's A6 midsize sedan. For 2020, the Audi S7 follows it to market as the higher-performing alternative.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi S7 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$210/mo  for S7 Premium Plus

　　S7 Premium Plus

　　Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $83,900 MSRPPrestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.9L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $89,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Unlike the previous-generation S7, which had a burly V8 engine, the new 2020 model comes with a turbocharged V6 engine. That might seem like a downgrade, but this new V6 is plenty strong. It's rated at 444 horsepower, which is just 6 hp fewer than what the old S7 had, and it makes more torque too. It's also got about 100 more horsepower than regular A7's V6, and it helps the S7 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.5 seconds, according to Audi.

　　Unfortunately, the new S7 also comes with a new infotainment system that can be distracting to use while driving. It's also held back for its limited rear-seat headroom, a byproduct of that gracefully tapering rear roofline. If that's a major concern, you might be better served by Audi S6, which is virtually identical save for the roofline. Otherwise, the 2020 S7 provides a very appealing mix of performance, luxury and style.

　　

Which S7 does zzdcar recommend?

Since the 2020 Audi S7's primary mission is performance, we suggest sticking with the base Premium Plus trim level and add the optional S Sport package that includes all-wheel steering, a sport exhaust and a sport rear differential. For convenience, we'd also add the Driver Assistance package that comes with some useful features, such as traffic-adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 Audi S7 models

The 2020 Audi S7 is a five-passenger luxury sport sedan that is offered in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Both come with a 444-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Premium Plus

　　Well appointed with feature highlights that include:

　　A sunroof A hands-free rear hatch An adaptive air suspension A digital instrument panel Four-zone automatic climate control 12-way power-adjustable front sport seatsAlso comes with technology and safety features such as:

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with satellite radio Dual-screen infotainment system A wireless charging pad with signal booster A front collision warning and mitigation systemAvailable option packages for the Premium Plus:

　　Executive package (more features, including heated rear seats and upgraded headlights) Driver Assistance package (traffic-adaptive cruise control plus other safety features)The Prestige includes all of the above along with:

　　Soft-close doors Dual-pane sound-insulating glass A head-up display A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alertOther S7 notable options include:

　　S Sport package (adds features to improve the car's performance) Luxury package (upgraded front seats and extended leather upholstery)

　　

2020 S7 Highlights

Trim: Premium PlusPrestigePremium Plus

　　

Base MSRP	$83,900
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$210/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles